Premiership leaders Rangers will be looking to continue their good run in the league when they welcome Dundee United to the Ibrox on the weekend. The hosts find themselves leading the race at the summit of the table, while Dundee United are in 8th place after picking up just seven points from their six fixtures. With United coming into this tie on the back of two consecutive defeats as well, Steven Gerrard’s men could prove to have too much firepower in the final third of the pitch.
The Ibrox club have sensationally started the season, with five wins and a draw out of their six matches so far. While that is a good record, the most exciting things about this Rangers side is their apparent invincibility in defence. Connor Goldson and Filip Helander have been rock solid since being partnered up together, and the Glasgow outfit are yet to concede a single goal in the league. Having already secured the record for the longest league start without conceding, Gerrard’s men will be eager to maintain their place ahead of the chasing pack.
Team News
Joe Aribo was one of the players that started the season in good form. Despite impressing in a couple of matches early on, an unfortunate injury cut his run in the team short. Although we are now back to routine action after the international break, the Nigerian midfielder remains sidelined and is unlikely to play any part in this tie.
Furthermore, Colombian striker Alfredo Morelos’ future as a Rangers players has been under scrutiny. Whether or not he’ll be here at the end of the transfer window remains to be seen, but given the current situation, it’s improbable that Morelos plays any part in the fixture.
Here Is The Predicted 4-2-2-2 Rangers Lineup Vs Dundee United:
Predicted 4-2-2-2 Rangers Lineup Vs Dundee United
Formation: 4-2-2-2
Defence
Jon McLaughlin was brought in during the summer window as the Ibrox club looked for a backup to Allan McGregor. The former Sunderland keeper has now taken over as number one though (even if that is temporary), and with six clean sheets in the bag, there’s no sign of him dropping out anytime soon either. Gerrard has no reason to change what has so clearly been working, and that means Connor Goldson and Filip Helander are set to continue in the centre-half roles. Borna Barisic is likely to operate down the left side with skipper James Tavernier over on the right.
Midfield
One of the few mainstays in this Rangers team is midfield commander Ryan Jack. The Scot has been dominant from his slot in the core of this Gers squad this season, and his place in the side hasn’t been under any real scrutiny either. With Joe Aribo out injured though, Steven Gerrard could be tempted to go with a double pivot. Veteran midfielder Steven Davis is expected to partner Jack in the engine room. The duo will be responsible for linking up play and ensuring that the attackers have the supply required to work with.
Attack
The creative pairing of Ianis Hagi and Ryan Kent are expected to operate down either flank tonight as they will look to provide as much width as possible. Kemar Roofe and Cedric Itten could both appear from the start for Gerrard’s side, thereby allowing a largely direct approach at attacking the United box. Kent and Hagi will be tasked with delivering quality into the box for the two new strikers. With the support from the full-backs as well, the two-man front-line could really flourish in this fixture.
